Period Party empowers youth to understand menstrual health

More than 100 community members of all ages and genders celebrated menstrual health and education at the 5th Annual PEC Period Party.

The grassroots advocacy group invited party goers to The Cape in Picton to enjoy crafts, learning, food, dancing and comedy – supported by local residents and businesses.

Locally produced products featured at the Menstrual Market and participants created Clot Cuties with artist Nell Casson, and friendship bracelets were made and shared at a station led by Charlie and Claire Hunter.

“Every grown woman I talked to tonight wished there had been an event like this party to explain and alleviate the fear and anxiety of getting your period,” said Casson, the party’s artistic director. “And every kid at this party smiled and danced, and learned just a little bit more about their body, how it works, and how to love it.”

Joanna Howard, doula and menstrual health educator, and PEC Period Party co-organizer Ramona Roblin (age 11) were on hand to educate and normalize menstrual health discussions at the “Ask the Period Pros” education booth.

“Young kids came over with their parents to learn about periods. The kids would then return later, alone, and ask more questions. That was the highlight of my night – seeing adults support these young kids and empower them to want to learn more about their body,” said Howard.

Bellies were made full thanks to tacos donated by the Acoustic Grill, and tampon-like cake pops, donated by the Agrarian Market, were gifted to all attendees as a “thank you”.

The dance floor was electric led by music stylings of deejay Pat Larkin, and to end the night with a bang, county-based comedy improv duo Short Attention Spa and friends, performed a one night only show highlighting the lows and highs of menstruation and menopause.

This year’s event was free of charge to all attendees thanks to event sponsors and local businesses and groups.

This was a month-long menstrual product campaign throughout Prince Edward County and Belleville, garnering thousands of dollars’ worth of menstrual products. Organizers noted more agencies reached out this year for support, and agencies who have historically donated to the project were asking for donations this year.

Recipients of the collected include: the ROC Youth Services, PELC, PEC Fresh Good Food Market, Picton Library, The HUB, Picton Foodbank, Wellington Storehouse Foodbank, Tyendinaga Community Wellbeing Centre, Athol-South-Marysburgh Public School, Sophiasburgh Central School, Kente Public School, Bayside Secondary School, St. Theresa’s Catholic Secondary School, Prince of Whales Public School and more.

PEC Period Party was established in 2018 by Alison Kelly and Ramona Roblin (above at left with friends) as a grassroots community project that seeks to raise awareness of period poverty in PEC – fundraising for essential menstrual products and creating a safe space for menstruating people and allies to normalize talking about menstrual health.